Team D-MAX’s Precision Driving Team took to the Moss Vale Show for the first time to show-off some of their most popular stunts. 

Team D-MAX is the only full-time precision driving team, which has been a part of Australian festivals, including the Royal Adelaide Show, since 1968.

Unfortunately the wet weather prevented the team from performing their signature stunt, driving on two wheels. 

The manoeuvre was first attempted by team member David Shannon in 1981. 

“There were no parameters and nobody to learn from,” Shannon said. 

“It was very much a case of trial and error and we eventually came up with a formula that works.”

In a regular show, the utes would drive in formations on two wheels at around 80 kilometres per hour whilst making turns. Due to the wet and boggy showground, drivers were only able to drive in different formations and reverse around the track. 

Each driver wears an earpiece and microphone during the show so they are able to communicate with each other. Lead driver Jack Monkhouse then instructs drivers on what to do next and how fast to travel. 

With decades of experience and thousands of kilometres of two-wheel driving under their belts, it’s hard to believe that the squad doesn’t practise. 

“They don’t train as a team because not all of the drivers live in close proximity to each other,” said Team D-MAX Spokesperson Luke Gemmill. 

“All the training is done out on the track.”

Drivers rehearse their routines before the actual show to ensure nothing goes wrong.

Gemmill said drivers are only able to try out for the team by invitation. 

“Every couple of years we send out invitations to skilled drivers who we’ve heard about, mainly through word of mouth,” he said. 

“We throw the drivers into the deep end and see if they can complete some of the manoeuvres in isolation, and if they can we build up from there.” 

A small handful of drivers who have worked for the precision driving team in its 50-year history have successfully mastered the art of two-wheel driving.